Gartner’s hype cycle framework illustrates how emerging technologies progress through maturity and adoption stages. I use a ski analogy to explain the concept: “the run is not about the performance of the skis, rather how I maintain focus, balance and adapt to the terrain!”
The 2021 Gartner hype cycle doesn’t explicitly highlight decentralized clinical trial (DCT) technologies, though they fall under “remote patient monitoring,” currently positioned at the “peak of exaggerated expectations” facing the challenging descent toward the “trough of disillusionment.”
Three Strategies for Navigating the Hype Cycle
1. Identify and Quantify Business Problems
Organizations must clearly define and measure the specific challenges they’re addressing. Clinical trials represent critical components of product R&D affecting approvals and patient outcomes. Leadership should establish measurable value drivers and focus on singular goals like patient centricity before implementing technological solutions.
2. Understand Processes and Secure Buy-In
Innovation inherently demands change. Patients, clinical operations professionals, and investigators require clear understanding of personal and organizational benefits. Process documentation and stakeholder engagement beginning at study design and continuing through execution reduce risk and friction while maintaining focus on objectives.
3. Celebrate and Reward Adoption
Beyond financial incentives, organizations should recognize all study participants—including patients—for contributing to scientific success. Positive reinforcement helps stakeholders embrace new methodologies and strengthens team identity.
The Core Insight
These success factors have nothing to do with technology—but everything to do with people, leadership, change management, and human nature.
Validcare has demonstrated the ability to achieve improved patient diversity, faster enrollment, enhanced engagement, reduced dropout rates, and timely study completion through implementing these principles.